Recovery of an MMO Junkie: LOVE – Moriko Morioka

Everyone’s heart is caught by the charisma of our favourite NEET, MMO Junkie’s Moriko Morioka. She’s sweet, she’s awkward, but most of all, she’s simply a likeable person. There are always certain characters we’re able to identify with. Not necessarily because we’re the same as they are, but because there are parts of them that resemble parts of ourselves. It’s this shared resemblance that links us to the characters, that leaves us feeling deep emotions for them. This is paramount to creating something that is both personal, and enjoyable.

Sweet Moriko

Sure, if it were a more serious show, it might tackle its themes on a ‘deeper’ level – but it isn’t, and MMO Junkie does a good job of refraining from stepping too close to being serious. Maybe being serious, and ‘deeper’ offers more to read into, more to feel in certain cases. However, MMO Junkie is entertaining, and this is at the very heart of the show. It is the thing that shines above all else, and because of this MMO Junkie is a show that excels in its class. Something which is entirely reliant on its main character, Moriko. It makes our hearts beat, and all those familiar places inside of us drastically warm and cosy; without regret, and without the need examine what each individual piece may mean.

Why We Love Morimori-chan

Of course, it’s understandable some people are NEETs because of the difficulty they have in playing a meaningful role in society. This isn’t exactly the case for Moriko – sure, she’s awkward in social situations, but she hardly lacks the ability, even if Moriko may be inherently introverted. After all, she’s had a regular office job in the past, she’s not incapable, or incapacitated in any sense of the words. The thing is:

Moriko wants to be a NEET.

Nothing better than a quick cuddle!

If she has the ability to do so; as long as herself, and the people around her are not negatively affected by it, then why not? Regardless of society, which in Japan is often more demanding than in the places many of us are familiar. Moriko enjoys her moments – even she knows it won’t be something which lasts forever. Because, at some point those savings will run out, and she will have to search for employment. Maybe even her time playing Fruits der Mer will come to an end. That’s the brilliant thing, Moriko lives in the moment, both online and offline. Despite her schedule, (the convenience store-going/gaming) and despite her anxiety, she has no clue what her next interaction may bring. And – in a way – her online persona softens the surprise of these revelations. Moments which ultimately begin to seep into reality.

Moriko’s most likable trait is how much of a genuinely good person. Anime characters are often… ‘nice,’ but in ways that feel false, ways that are forced to instigate that ‘cute’ feeling we all know a little too well. The problem with this is that the characters come to feel un-human – if anything, they present themselves as entirely fictional. And though the coincidence-based plot of Recovery of an MMO Junkie would be unlikely to happen… anywhere…ever; Moriko is the centerpiece for it – it is character driven, and the setting/plot is secondary, as a result of this. But this is fine, it is natural and in no way a detriment.

Online Gaming and Friends

Most of us have probably had some experience with MMOs, whatever that may be. Personally I’ve spent a rather insane amount of time playing Runescape, and a decent amount in Guild Wars 2. Though, I never made any friends through those. I don’t know why that is, maybe because I already had real-world friends that played. Maybe I was just never that invested in it to begin with. However, I can certainly understand the attraction – I met a person who I consider to be a true friend through an online forum. Which, I suppose it more or less the same thing.

Just another awkward moment…

Having friends – online, or otherwise – is a comforting thing for people who do not easily forge meaningful relationships in the cold wild winds of the real world. Not only this, but as we clearly see these online friends can come to mean much more than simply gaming acquaintances. Of course, within the older generation there is still some generalised, and unfounded criticism regarding this – something that deserves no spoken time. For, the friends made can come to mean everything. After all, having a person to talk to in all the static, no matter the distance between the two people, how can that be a negative thing?

Morimori-chan, and the gang are a wonderful example of this.

Recovery of an MMO Junkie is more than just fun; it’s about finding both fun and friendship where you never before thought it might be. It’s about developing relationships with good people, and coming to realise what those relationships might mean, and what they may come to mean in the future. (Season 2!!). This is why MMO Junkie is so special, because of the true humanity it excels in – the things we see through the often shaky eyes of Moriko.

One of my favourite things about her is that she’s 30, which isn’t something you normally see in the anime world. And I think anyone who has worked can relate to her feelings of loneliness and sadness, even if you like your job there are moments when you wish you could run away. The fact that Morioka did that was nice to see.

I think a big part of why Morioka is so likeable is because of her VA. Mamiko Noto embodies the role perfectly. Like a 30-year-old Sawako, she can blend awkwardness, kindness, and maturity all at once—no better actress for the role.